BIM Buildings

The Future of Sports Design with BIM

In the world of architecture and engineering, innovation never stops, and the sports sector is no exception.

In this context, the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has shown us an excellent way to design, construct, and maintain football stadiums, turning them into true temples of technology and sustainability.

Let’s explore how BIM is transforming stadium design with concrete examples, key benefits, and a cost analysis that makes this methodology an essential investment for the future of sports.

Success Stories: BIM in Iconic Stadiums
Let’s look at how some of the world’s most recognized stadiums have incorporated BIM into their design and construction:

Wembley Stadium (United Kingdom)


The renovation of the iconic Wembley Stadium, with a capacity of 90,000 spectators, was a monumental project that used BIM to coordinate structural design, facilities, and security systems. Thanks to BIM:

  • A 20% reduction in initial design and construction costs was achieved, saving approximately £120 million.
  • A predictive maintenance system based on BIM model data was integrated, reducing annual operational costs by 30%.


Allianz Arena (Germany)


With its distinctive illuminated façade, Allianz Arena is a spectacular example of BIM usage. The digital model allowed for:

  • Optimizing seat distribution to maximize visibility, which increased ticket sales by 10%.
  • Designing an efficient ventilation and air conditioning system, achieving a 15% energy cost savings, equivalent to 2 million euros annually.
  • Coordinating over 300 subcontractor companies, ensuring the €340 million project was completed on time and within budget.


Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Spain)


The renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu has also been a pioneer in BIM usage. The stadium, home to Real Madrid, now features a retractable roof and a modern façade, both fully designed and simulated in a BIM environment. This allowed for:

Identifying and resolving design conflicts before construction, avoiding cost overruns of up to €50 million.
Incorporating augmented reality technologies to enhance the spectator experience, adding significant brand value that positively impacted the club’s revenue.


Key Benefits of BIM in Stadiums


The use of BIM not only shows us through these examples that it improves efficiency in the design and construction phases, but it also brings long-term benefits such as:

User Experience-Centered Design
A BIM model allows us to simulate the flow of people inside the stadium, identifying potential bottlenecks and improving the layout of areas like entrances, exits, restrooms, and sales points. This leads to a better experience for spectators and greater safety.

Cost and Time Reduction
Early detection of design conflicts (such as interference between structural and mechanical systems) reduces correction costs during construction. Additionally, BIM allows for more efficient scheduling, shortening execution times.

Smart Operation and Maintenance
BIM models don’t end their usefulness when construction finishes. They can be integrated with facility management systems to monitor equipment status and plan predictive maintenance, helping reduce operational costs.

Sustainability
Energy simulations with BIM facilitate the implementation of sustainable technologies, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and designs that optimize the use of natural light.

The Future of Stadium Design with BIM


Advancements in BIM-related technologies, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, are taking stadium and large-scale project design to new levels. Some emerging trends include:

  • Smart Stadiums: With sensors integrated into the BIM model, stadiums can monitor energy consumption, detect faults, and adjust environmental conditions in real-time.
  • Immersive Experiences: BIM combined with virtual reality allows fans to explore stadiums before they are built and experience personalized features during events.
  • Modular and Scalable Design: BIM makes it easier to create adaptable stadiums—those that can expand or contract based on future needs.

The use of BIM in football stadiums is not just a trend but a transformation that has responded to the demands of modern sports. From improving the spectator experience to ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency, BIM is positioning itself as the key tool for designing iconic stadiums that are true monuments to human ingenuity.

The future of football is already here, and it is digital.